May 2014 Edition of Linda's Corner

Flowers!

May is my favorite month for flowers. With an abundance of assorted colors to choose from, the right combination can really make your yard "POP". Remaining aware of bloom times for annuals and perennials will allow you to enjoy vibrant color all summer long. A few easy maintenance tips can mean all the difference between dull, weak plants and bright, thriving plants.

• "Dead-head" annuals to allow space for new flowers. Removing finished blooms will enable the plant to concentrate all it's energy on pushing new buds.
• Dig and divide early blooming perennials immediately after flowering if desired.
• Move house plants outdoors only after night temps are consistently above
  50-60 degrees F.
• Prune early Spring flowering shrubs after bloom to assure a healthy full bloom
  for next year.
• Be conscious of where you are planting sun thriving or shade loving plants. As temps increase this becomes more of a factor.
• When planting both annuals and perennials, loosen up the root ball before planting to encourage immediate root growth.

While I concentrate a large portion of my time and energy on my plants, I never forget about my lawn. Nothing makes a property look better than a think healthy green lawn. May is a good time to fertilize your lawn and apply a crab grass pre-emergent if  you had problems in the past. Tackling weeds early will lead to an easier, more inexpensive solution. Keeping a regular cutting schedule is key to having a beautiful lawn.

Best Trees and Plants for Privacy

Are you looking for more privacy in your yard but you really don't want a fence. Go for a natural approach. There are lots of choices and benefits to planting a hedge:

• Privacy from neighbors and street traffic
• Reduction in noise
• Protection from harsh winds

Evergreens come in a vast variety of species, some growing slow or fast, tall or low and can be shaped and pruned to specific shapes and sizes. Some popular choices are:

• Leland Cypress (Deer resistant)
• Green Giant Arborvitae - fast growing and can grow up to 60' (Deer resistant)
• Emerald Arborvitae grows 10' to 15'

Some people prefer to have natural privacy fencing that offers color, fragrance and the opportunity to bring flowers indoors for arrangements. If that sounds like you, you may want Rose of Sharon. These can grow to heights of 8' to 10' and when planted in a row, they develop into a dense privacy screen covered in flowers. They come in varieties with blue, white, pink or lavender flowers. Other plants that are popular are lilacs which can grow up to 15' tall and 6' to 12' ft. wide. Their flowers can be white, pink, purple or magenta. Another favorite and commonly used plant is Forsythia and a personal favorite is Hydrangea which also come in a variety of colors.

Ornamental grasses also make a great alternative. They can grow anywhere from 1' to 9'  tall depending on the variety. Most bloom in mid summer. They are an easy care, low maintenance choice that also offers flowers you can cut and bring indoors. Some species though can be invasive.

Call us if you need more privacy in your yard.
We'll help you decide which works best for you and your location - 908-834-2675.

News from Glenn - Our Agronomics Expert

Weeds

Due to the weather we've been having, weeds are coming up later than usual, especially Dandelions. If you're currently a customer, please be patient, we are making our rounds. If you're not a lawn care customer and see weeds in your lawn, give us a call at
908-834-2675.

Weather and How It Affects Your Landscaping

People often notice what is going on with trees and shrubs above ground but not a lot of attention goes into what is going on beneath the ground. Weather patterns can really have an impact with root systems. According to the Bartlett Tree Experts, the heavy rains in 2013 saturated soils and caused many trees and shrubs to experience root rot. This made them more vulnerable to winter cold. The fall drought also had an impact on the root systems. According to the Bartlett Tree Experts, the trees and shrubs that have been affected the most this year are:

• Japanese Maples
• Rhododendron and Azalea
• Arborvitae
• Holly
• Flowering Cherry
• Boxwood
• Juniper and Taxus
• Leland Cypress
• All Laurels

Maple Trees
If you have maple trees in your yard, the seed pods are bursting right now. There is no way to prevent this with chemical applications. When you see small Maple seedlings growing, the best way to keep them from developing into trees is to mow them down very short as soon as you see them. You want to make sure to get the leaves.

Crape Myrtles
Due weather conditions these trees have been leafing out late. Be patient, you will see leaves soon.